wings of desire
I just watched Wings of Desire again. I saw the film shortly after it was made, and I remembered it as something I was supposed to like, rather than something I connected with. It’s good to let time pass.
This time I found the film incredibly moving. Angels walking among us listen to our thoughts and fears, and each person has a story which is vulnerable and unique. This reminded me of Gilead, by Marilynne Robinson; both are full of details so specific, and yet telling of universal experience. Descriptions of the sacred embodied.
April 26th, 2007 at 8:01 am
Song of Childhood
By Peter Handke
When the child was a child
It walked with its arms swinging,
wanted the brook to be a river,
the river to be a torrent,
and this puddle to be the sea.
When the child was a child,
it didn’t know that it was a child,
everything was soulful,
and all souls were one…..
April 28th, 2007 at 2:47 pm
This is a wonderful movie. Interesting how some images stay in the mind.
I especially loved the image of the angel (Bruno Ganz) standing on the rooftop of a very tall building, looking out over Berlin, with a giant steel eagle gargoyle next to him. One of Wim Wenders most successful films, I think.
The cinematographer, Henri Alekan, was apparently very old (80s-90s) when he shot this.
You’ve inspired me to have another look at this film.
April 29th, 2007 at 7:00 am
the smallest mention of this film will make me stop in my tracks, lay a hand on my chest and close my eyes with a smile and a contented sigh. i think it’s time to watch again
April 29th, 2007 at 2:31 pm
Helle – that’s so interesting about the age of the cinematographer, especially given the old man character in the film.
Jennie – wish we could watch it together.
Ellen –
“…When the child was a child,
It played with enthusiasm,
and, now, has just as much excitement as then,
but only when it concerns its work.”
A reminder to play.
May 16th, 2007 at 6:09 pm
Wings of Desire is perhaps my most favorite movie…. Have you seen the sequel “Far Away, So Close”….. For a sequel, it is actually quite good, if not equal to Wings of Desire….. If you haven’t seen it, it is a must…. I have both in my collection……
Thanks for bringing it up ….. I think I will watch both again…..